Arden Rooney’s quest to achieve the trans-Tasman big two is on track after yesterday’s Alabar Kaikoura Cup triumph.
The star Great Western pacer will contest the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Cup next Tuesday and is in the market after defeating Messini by a head in 1:58.3 yesterday over 2400 metres.
Driven by trainer Kerryn Manning, Arden Rooney made a mistake from the stand start before marching to the breeze, then putting away leader Mossdale Conner and holding off Mark Purdon aboard a fast-finishing Messini to make it back-to-back Kaikoura Cup successes.
Arden Rooney’s mile rate this year was slicker than last year’s 1:59.2. Yesterday he covered the journey in 2:56.6, 1.3secs faster than last year.
Arden Rooney’s NZ Trotting Cup odds have shortened into $5.5 with TAB.com.au, equal with Messini, after yesterday’s win. Smolda ($2.8) and Sky Major ($3.4) head the market after trainer Cran Dalgety announced Christen Me would not be headed to the NZ Cup.
Not since Il Vicolo in 1996 has a horse claimed the Kaikoura-NZ Trotting Cup double.
Arden Rooney won this year’s Hunter Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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